Gazette Article -
Districts 3,4,7 & 8 comment.
If the most vocal opposition to changes at the airport has come from the Eighth we are in trouble! “I have very strong reservations and concerns,” Austin said, "it appears to be one sided." Why is that? No dialogue with community or colleagues?......7th district representative, Uranga says he remains with his same opinion....he sides with his residents on concerns of economics and environment. This cannot be about funding for soundproofing homes and schools, or future health issues. The discussion must have focused questions with direct answers, open dialogue with the public and a mutual 9 district respect for all residents who live with the airport impacts each and every day. Can one identify a possible threat / challenge to our ordinance? Is the only answer that if CLB lost they would retrofit windows IF the FAA allowed, then we have another problem.
And then Councilwoman Price comments that she is not concerned about the noise - those issues were addressed in the study. If what she meant was everyone, and I do mean everyone says the same: "I do support the noise ordinance'", then I guess it was answered. Of course there was that memo from our city attorney that said if we are challenged, we will defend. It can't really be that difficult to envision a negative impact to our neighborhoods from a challenge, can it? Everyone makes one or two trips to LAX a year. They see the hodge-podge of businesses along Century Blvd. that include high end girlie bars and fast food establishments to satisfy even the most discernible travelers, the 2-3 mph traffic jams, the loss of residential property values and in fact actual loss of homes in some of the more impacted areas. The lots remain empty today. Why is it that most cities that have issues with their airport, stand on the side of their citizens? Mrs. Price is onto something with the concern for loss of at minimum, 8 daily Jet Blue flights. According to both studies Jet Blue would have to drop domestic flights to fill necessary international destinations to pencil out their investment. So much for supporting the local business travelers. Mr. Gordon suggests that these business/convention travelers can use LAX or SNA!!!! Why would one not draw that same conclusion for this lopsided request by one airline, for their new flight model? Who is sitting in the drivers seat on this one? Mayor Garcia can take the lead to focus his concern and proactive leadership on taking care of the Neighborhoods First! Elections are right around the corner......